Dupré: Jean Guillou – Guillou

   in Choir & Organ (Sep, 2016)
I grew up with these recordings, spending many hours trying to play the G minor Prelude at Guillou’s break-neck speed! Hearing them again, re-released on CD, I am still struck by the technical brilliance of Guillou’s playing. The Kleuker organ at Notre-Dame des Neiges, a Guillou design, is perfectly economic in form – both raw and beautiful, it reveals with dazzling clarity every note of Dupré’s scores. It is clear the affinity Guillou has for his teacher’s music with its balance of almost ruthless energy and subtle poetry. Also included is a live performance of the Symphonie-Passion recorded in the Laurenskerk, Rotterdam. …